One More Question Nicework, Ross Drakes

In our 50th episode, Ross is joined by Natasha Jen – award-winning designer, educator, and partner at Pentagram.

A four-time National Design Award nominee, Natasha’s work is recognized for its innovative use of graphic, verbal, digital, and spatial interventions that challenge conventional notions of media and cultural contexts. Her work is immediately recognizable, encompassing brand identity systems, packaging, exhibition design, digital interfaces, signage and wayfinding systems, print, and architecture.

Ross and Natasha discuss how designers and clients can better understand each other’s worlds to increase their chances of success, how her childhood in Taipei has influenced her work, and how the fast-paced and data-driven world is affecting design.

In Episode #49, Ross is joined by Ana Andjelic, Chief Brand Officer of Banana Republic and one of the World's Most Influential CMOs (Forbes).

Ana earned her doctorate in sociology and specialises in building brand-driven modern businesses. She’s the author of “The Business of Aspiration" and runs a weekly newsletter, The Sociology of Business.

Ross and Ana discuss her 4-Cs framework for building a brand, how to align business and brand objectives, and why we shouldn’t overvalue consistency.

In Episode #48, Ross is joined by DJ Stout, Partner at acclaimed international design consultancy Pentagram and principal of their Austin, Texas office.

In 1998 Stout was recognised as one of the “100 Most Important People in Photography.” He has also been selected for The I.D. Fifty – an annual listing of design innovators – and recognised as an AIGA Fellow for his exceptional contributions to the field of graphic design. He has authored three books – The Pictures of Texas Monthly Twenty-Five Years, The Amazing Tale of Mr. Herbert and his Fabulous Alpine Cowboys Baseball Club, and Variations on a Rectangle–his forty-year design retrospective.

Ross and DJ discuss why logos don’t matter, why he offers 30 or more logo options to his clients, and what Texas has taught him about building brands and telling stories.

In Episode #47, Ross is joined by Judge Edwin Cameron, retired Judge of South Africa’s Constitutional Court and a crucial member of the court's progressive wing. Cameron is well known for his HIV/AIDS and gay-rights activism and was hailed by Nelson Mandela as "one of South Africa's new heroes".

Before serving in the Constitutional Court, Judge Cameron served in the Supreme Court of Appeal and the High Court. During apartheid he was a human rights lawyer and later helped attain the historic inclusion of sexual orientation in South Africa's Constitution. After stepping down as a judge, he was elected Chancellor of Stellenbosch University and appointed Judicial Inspector of Correctional Services by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ross and Judge Cameron chat about what we can learn about branding from South Africa’s Constitutional Court, how companies can define and stay true to their values, and how to use values to build your brand.

In Episode #46, Ross is joined by Chris Do, Emmy award-winning designer and director, CEO and founder of The Futur.

Chris has founded two 7-figure businesses. The first of which, Blind, is an Emmy award-winning motion design studio which he ran for over 2 decades. In 2014, at 42, Chris reluctantly made his first YouTube video which altered the trajectory of his life and career. A few years later, the Futur, is a beloved education company, with millions of fans from all over the world.

Ross and Chris discuss the 4 things that superheroes and Star Trek can teach us about branding, and how to make your brand unforgettable.

In Episode #45, Ross is joined by Matteo Bologna, Founder and Creative Director of New York-based branding studio Mucca.

Matteo’s multidisciplinary background in architecture, graphic design, illustration, and typography has helped him build one of the most respected companies in design. He’s a former board member of AIGA NY and President emeritus of the Type Directors Club.

Ross and Matteo discuss typography as an underestimated branding tool, why your brand should own a typeface, and the mistake brands like Balenciaga are making by throwing away years of heritage to be more ‘digital-friendly.'